LONDON — A unique exhibition featuring vegetable sculptures of well-known figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump and singer Dolly Parton, alongside a satirical papal “Cornclave,” took center stage Saturday during the Lambeth Country Show in London’s Brockwell Park.
This annual two-day event, a metropolitan twist on a traditional country fair, comprises activities like sheep-shearing, livestock competitions, culinary delights, music, and a renowned vegetable sculpture contest known for its inventive flair.
This year, various entries creatively referenced the recent papal election or a film on the topic, highlighted by a sculpture of cardinals crafted from maize titled “Cornclave.”
Amid the humor-filled showcases were the Irish rap trio Kneecap transformed into potatoes, a tableau inspired by the movie “9 to Chive” featuring “Cauli Parton,” a likeness of Liverpool soccer star Mohamed Salah made from vegetables named “Mo Salad,” and butternut squash recreations of animated classics Wallace and Gromit.
President Trump was also humorously depicted through a butternut squash design, with several entries commenting on local politics. In Lambeth, as well as in other parts of London, civic leaders have increasingly held large-scale concerts and festivals in public parks to generate funds, which has been met with mixed reactions from nearby residents.
In a comedic nod to these local issues, actor Mark Rylance, a notable member of the community opposing major events in Brockwell Park, is humorously represented as “Mark Rylunch,” featuring a head carved from an apple and placards labeling him a NIMBY (not in my backyard) activist.
Regular event attendee Maddy Luxon exclaimed, “Every year, this is the highlight for us, these vegetable sculptures. They are so distinctive and humorous, especially the political ones.”
“The puns are a treat,” added Marek Szandrowski, who accompanied Luxon. “Particularly the vegetable puns, they’re definitely brilliant.”